DiPietro Injured During Goalie Fight
The Islanders' Rick DiPietro and The Penguins' Brent Johnson face off in the rarest of hockey fights--the goalie fight--in Pittsburgh February 2, 2011. DiPietro suffered facial fractures as a result of being punched by Johnson and will miss 4-6 weeks while recovering. The National Post

New York Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro suffered numerous facial fractures and is experiencing knee swelling as a result of his fight with Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Brent Johnson Wednesday night and will miss 4-6 weeks of action while he recovers.

Here again is video of the fight, courtesy of NHL.com.

DiPietro spoke with reporters Friday at the Nassau Coliseum, and he told the New York Post, It's unfortunate and frustrating and every other emotion you can throw in there. You don't ever want a broken face to be the reason for extra rest, but you keep telling yourself everything happens for a reason. I'm not sure what that reason is yet, but I'm sure at some point it will come to the surface and make when we win the Stanley Cup that much sweeter.

After initial X-rays came back negative for any substantial injuries, a followup CT scan revealed the fractures.

I can't sit here and tell you how long it's going to take my bones to heal, DiPietro added, again to the Post, but I'll drink a lot of milk and say a lot of prayers and hopefully this thing heals up quick.

DiPietro was less optimistic with Newsday, saying, At this point, whatever bad can happen just seems to happen. Not just myself, but the entire team. It's not small groin pulls and you're out a couple days, it's major stuff. It's hips and knees and faces.

The Islanders are now left with rookie goaltender Kevin Poulin and suspended waiver-claim Evgeni Nabokov, so it is likely the team will attempt to pick up another goalie through a trade or call up one from their minor league affiliate.

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